Today, the Victorian Government’s ban on single-use plastics such as plates and straws comes into force – it follows the banning of plastic bags in 2019.
“There are plenty of environmentally friendly alternatives available. In many cases, that alternative will be a wood fibre product – the quintessence of renewability. This includes products such as cardboard packaging, recycled paper plates, bags, and wooden cutlery”, Deb Kerr, CEO of the Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA), said today.
“As a society, we can go further than single-use plastics and look towards replacing other plastics. Wood contains cellulose to make bioplastics. Victoria has 22% of Australia’s plantation estate, so we have the resources, technology, and manufacturing know-how available today to replace traditional plastics with the new generation of bioplastics. Examples include eyeglass frames, glass replacements, electronic displays and car interior applications – and, more recently, even 3D-printed houses.
“There is no excuse. Every Victorian and every Victorian business can support a more sustainable future by reducing our waste footprint. Wood is biodegradable, compostable – and it is the ultimate renewable”, Ms Kerr concluded.